Faith Waterman benefit slated

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PRECIOUS – Faith Waterman was diagnosed with CHAOS (congenital high airway obstruction) and has spent much of her life in Philadelphia undergoing treatments and surgeries.

OXFORD – Who wouldn’t want to help a little girl’s dream of being able to sing in front of her church family?

Well, that is 7-year-old Faith Waterman’s dream.

She was born with CHAOS, which is congenital high airway obstruction and results when there is an airway obstruction blocking the windpipe or larynx.

And due to CHAOS, little Faith and her family have spent much of her life at the Philadelphia Children’s Hospital undergoing treatments and countless surgeries.

This fall, Faith will be operated on once again and it will require her to be in Pennsylvania for four months…making it impossible for her mom, Melyca to stay in Maine and work.

So, to help with expenses, Faith’s church, the Oxford Advent Christian Church is putting on a benefit concert and barbeque on Friday, July 22 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. It will be held in the parking lot and the menu will consist of chicken, potato salad, corn on the cob, rolls drinks and loads of desserts.

Karole-Ann Keniston is a good friend of Melyca and is helping to coordinate the benefit.

“Since the day we knew of Faith's condition (while she was still in the womb) we have watched her parents fight for her,” she said. “Scott and Melyca provide for her and try their best to help her to have the experiences that other children have.”

Keniston’s hope for this benefit is to allow the family to focus on Faith as they are away from home for four, long months.

“I have never met a more devoted mom and dad,” she smiled. “The passion and love that flow out of the two of them is unbelievable. I have been friends with Melyca for over 12 years and the lord has blessed her with patience and endurance.”

“As a parent you know your job is 24 hours a day,” she added. “But if it's possible, I think Melyca works more than that.”

And Keniston’s heart goes out to little Faith.

“Once you meet Faith you'll never be the same... she is a precious child with such a glowing spirit and personality. Faith said that she can't wait until her feeding tube and trach are out; she knows that her voice is going to sound like, Selena Gomez!"

Faith also has a little sister named Hope.

“Faith and Hope are the best of friends,” said Keniston. “Hope has brought pure joy to Faith.. even during some of the worst times for Faith at the hospital, Hope has been there by her side, helping to pass the time with a little song or dance.”

Speaking of song and dance, the benefit barbeque will also have six bands playing throughout the benefit.

“Salvation’s House is the sponsoring band,” explained Keniston. “And we also have Friends Fighting CHAOS, a worship team from OACC. Other bands will include Dream in Purple, Barry Lowe, Laurie Knight and Leighton Campbell.”

The benefit will be held at the Oxford Advent Christian Church at 1133 Main Street in Oxford and will be held rain or shine. The cost is $10 for adults; ages 12 and under, $5; and under 4 are free.

Proceeds will help with expenses while the Watermans are in Philadelphia.